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Proverbs 16:1 NLT
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
Have you ever made plans and believed your decisions were justified? Or do you make plans that seem right for reasons that are noble or selfless? Yet, despite your good or noble reasons for making the decisions it often feels that everything is going against you. The plans you have made are developing differently from what you pictured or anticipated. As a result, you get frustrated; you prayed, you bargain with God or doubt yourself and sometimes blame others around you.
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Proverbs 16:1 NLT
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
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Proverbs 19:18 NIV
Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.
I remember growing up my grandma used to say to my cousins after she disciplined them and they were crying, "I rather you cry now instead of me crying later." As a child, I did not understand why she would say that to them. However, when I became a parent, I found myself saying the same statement to my son. I took her statement a step further, I might cry later but I don’t want my tears to be driven by guilt that I did not do my best to bestow values and discipline in his life. -
Proverbs 19:18 NIV
Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.
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Proverbs 27:5-6 NIV
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Imagine someone you love and care about is walking toward a fire, and they don't see it, but you can clearly see they are entering a road that will lead to their death. You decided I love them so much that I don’t want to disappoint or hurt them in hope that they will turn around or someone else might help them. Perhaps, your warning may not change the person’s path or might cost you their friendship. Do you love them enough to take the risk?
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Proverbs 27:5-6 NIV
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
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Proverbs 31:8 NIV
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Heavenly Father God! I come before you in the name of Jesus Christ to present this prayer before your throne. Father God, please allow your Holy Spirit to show me how to speak for those in our society who have been marginalized. Father God, we live in a society where we are consuming and focusing on ourselves. Father God, we often forget that all we have belongs to you and can be taken away in a split second.
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Proverbs 31:8 NIV
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
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Proverbs 19:11-NIV
A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.
Do you often find yourself offended by others’ opinions, thoughts, and actions? For me, there was a time in my life when the answer would have been a resounding yes, I do get offended often by others. Through many mistakes and trials in my life, Jesus through the Holy Spirit has allowed me to grow in this area. There was a time in my life, pleasing people and people liking me was highly important for my self-esteem and self-worth. I struggled with this burden for many years in my spiritual journey. I
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Proverbs 19:11-NIV
A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.
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Proverbs 14:5-TCJSB
An honest witness will not lie, but a false witness lies with every breath.
Wow this scripture is convicting! We live in a society where lies are very common. I sometime hear the saying everybody lies. Or this is just a small lie. Or if my lie will save lives, it’s not wrong. Jesus calls lies Satan’s native language (John 8:44). 1 John 2:21 reminds us there is no lie in truth. What kind of witness are you in this world? Are you a witness for Satan’s kingdom? Or are you a witness of the truth/Holy Spirit?
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Proverbs 14:5-TCJSB
An honest witness will not lie, but a false witness lies with every breath.
